UFC 171's Robbie Lawler on Johny Hendricks: This won't be a war of words

UFC 171's Robbie Lawler on Johny Hendricks: This won't be a war of words

It takes a lot to get a rise out of the UFC’s Robbie Lawler. And getting a title shot isn’t enough.

Lawler (22-9 MMA, 7-3 UFC) told MMAjunkie he was at a restaurant with his wife and son earlier this month when he got word that he will fight Johny Hendricks (15-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) for the vacant welterweight title in March at UFC 171.

His reaction?

“Alright,” Lawler said.

“Nothing really surprises me,” he added. “I just try to always be prepared, and when opportunity knocks, I’ve just got to be ready.”

Lawler and Hendricks meet in the headliner of UFC 171, which takes place March 15 at American Airlines Center in Dallas. The main card, initially slated to feature a light heavyweight title fight between champion Jon Jones and Glover Teixeira, airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FOX Sports 1 and MMAjunkie.

Lawler doesn’t have any thoughts as to the hows and whys of his sudden opportunity – only that it’s here, and he’s going to make the best of it.

He doesn’t have much of an opinion on Georges St-Pierre’s decision to vacate the belt for some time away from MMA. If it’s what the now-ex champ wants, good for him.

“I’m not too worried about what he’s up to,” Lawler said. “He needs to do what’s best for him.”

Lawler figures he’s in his current position not just because St-Pierre (25-2 MMA, 19-2 UFC) is stepping away, but because he’s created the environment for it to happen. That it happened when it did, and the way it did, is not something he’s going to dwell on.

“I’ve been in this sport for a long time, and I feel like I put myself in the position where this would happen and I’d be fighting for a title,” he said. “It’s not like I won the lottery or something. I earned my spot and beat some good guys, so I was just waiting for my opportunity.”

Indeed, Lawler is experiencing the type of career resurgence that’s rarely seen among fighters who’ve been in the sport as long as he has.

“I’ve always just been grinding and getting after it and trying to have fun,” he said. “That’s mostly why I’ve been able to stay with it for a while. I just enjoyed myself and didn’t worry about the grind of the sport.”

After a seven-year absence, Lawler returned to the UFC in February and subsequently racked up three impressive wins, including a decision victory over the heavily hyped Rory MacDonald at this past month’s UFC 167 event.

At the same event, St-Pierre outpointed Hendricks in a controversial decision and announced he would take some time away from the sport, though the move wasn’t final until a UFC conference call held on Dec. 13.

At UFC 167’s post-fight press conference, Lawler volunteered to fight Hendricks for the interim title. He did not pursue the issue with the promotion, however.

“I’m not going to be pushing anybody out or trying to make any decisions for anybody,” he said. “I’m not that guy. The bosses make their decisions, and St-Pierre makes his. I didn’t really push it, nor was it my place to do so.”

Lawler began training again on the Wednesday after UFC 167 and said he’ll prepare for Hendricks at American Top Team, where he’s held several previous camps.

Lawler said Hendricks’ style is unique and presents multiple challenges to overcome.

“He’s not very tall, but he’s big,” Lawler said. “He’s a bully, and he knocks people out. I think it’s really rare to have a wrestler with that much power.

“He comes out to take your head off. He’s a strong wrestler, and he’s just powerful, plain and simple.”

But Lawler won’t say he has more power than Hendricks. That would be far too bold for his mild-mannered personality.

“This isn’t going to be a war of words,” he said. “I’ll have a chance to show what I’m capable of and he will too.”

What does Lawler think he needs to do when he gets into the cage with the onetime title challenger?

Simple.

“I just have to be me, and figure out a way to land some punches, kicks and knees, and just go out there and work,” he said.

ALBANY, N.Y. – MMAjunkie is on scene and reporting live from today’s UFC Fight Night 102 event at Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y., which kicks off at 5:45 p.m. ET (2:45 p.m. PT). You can discuss the event here.

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